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Wed 3 Jan 2018, 09:00 GMT

Mixed news keeps oil in tight range


By A/S Global Risk Management.



Oil prices remained in a tight trading range on mixed news. The huge Forties pipeline as well as a Libyan pipeline have both restarted, but the geopolitical risk premium in Iran has increased heavily.

Along with the current unrest in Iran, the U.S. president has refused to certify the international accord on the nuclear deal. The president also continues to spur fears of an escalation of the ongoing nuclear dispute between the U.S. and North Korea.

The Forties Pipeline transports around 450,000 barrels per day of North Sea Brent oil and was closed due to a leak in mid-December. Now the force majeure has been lifted and is "fully operational", according to the operator.

Tonight the weekly oil stocks data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) is published; consensus is draw in crude oil stocks, builds in gasoline and distillates stocks. Tomorrow, the more-closely-followed report from the EIA is published.

Turning to economic data, today will see the U.S. central bank meeting minutes as well as ISM Manufacturing PMI from the U.S. published. Chinese Caixin Services PMI is released overnight. .


Tangier Maersk vessel. Maersk takes delivery of first methanol-capable vessel in 9,000-teu series  

Tangier Maersk is the first of six mid-size container ships with methanol-capable dual-fuel engines.

IBIA MFM bunkering training course graphic. IBIA to run surveyor training course for mass flow meter-equipped bunkering in Rotterdam  

One-day course scheduled for 19 February aims to prepare professionals for MFM-equipped bunkering operations.

CO2 carrier vessel aerial view. MOL secures two 12,000-cbm CO2 carriers for Northern Lights expansion  

Japanese shipowner to deliver vessels in 2028 for cross-border carbon transport and storage project.

MOL and ONGC VLEC long-term charter signing. MOL and ONGC sign 15-year charter deal for two ethane carriers  

Japanese shipowner expands fleet to 16 vessels with newbuildings scheduled for delivery in 2028.

Vessels at sea. Dual-fuel container ship and vehicle carrier fleet reaches 400 vessels  

World Shipping Council reports 83% increase in operational dual-fuel vessels during 2025.

Photograph of a blue cargo vessel. Lloyd’s Register publishes first guidance notes for onboard hydrogen generation systems  

Classification society addresses regulatory gap as shipowners explore producing hydrogen from alternative fuels onboard.

Erasmusbrug bridge in Rotterdam. Rotterdam bunker industry faces upheaval as new regulations drive up costs and shift volumes  

Red III compliance costs and a mass flow meter mandate are creating operational challenges across the ARA region.

Neil Chapman, VPS. VPS appoints Neil Chapman as managing director for the Americas  

Maritime services company names industry veteran to lead regional operations and client partnerships.

Oil refinery infrastructure. Maritime industry shifts towards LNG as alternative fuel enthusiasm stalls  

Geopolitical concerns drive shipping leaders to prioritise established fuels over newer alternatives, survey finds.

OceanScore logo. OceanScore reaches $5m annual recurring revenue as emissions compliance demand grows  

Hamburg-based firm supports compliance workflows for more than 2,500 vessels as regulations enter operational phases.


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